Congenital absence of the pericardium associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and hepatic hemangioendothelioma: case report and review of the literature.

An unusual case of a neonate with absent pericardium, left-sided diaphragmatic hernia, and hepatic hemangioendothelioma is described. The posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia was successfully repaired, and agenesis of the pericardium did not interfere with cardiac function postoperatively. The hepatic tumour was a coincidental radiological finding, while liver function and the biochemical profile were normal. We also present a review of the literature on congenital absence of the pericardium and conclude that all cases should be screened for cardiac and hepatic anomalies.